Keiko Wanaka
Japan
Research Article
Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia and Hemodialysis
Author(s): Takefumi Matsuo and Keiko Wanaka
Takefumi Matsuo and Keiko Wanaka
Hemodialysis-related-heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HD-HIT) is a drug-induced, immunoglobulin- mediated disorder that it is suspected in dialysis patients with an unexpected fall in the platelet count, and/or unexplained thrombotic events, particularly visible clotting in the circuit under an adequate heparin dose, that begins between 5 and 10 days (nadir between 7 and 30 days, mostly by the third to fifth session) after heparin initiation. Although a positive result for anti-PF4/heparin complex antibodies (HIT antibodies) is presumably detected by sensitive ELISA, the diagnosis should be confirmed, whenever possible, using a functional assay. Immediately after the clinical suspicion of HIT, all sources of heparin should be discontinued including heparin used to flush or lock catheters. Alternative non-heparin anticoagulants, preferentially a direct thrombin inhibitor, should be re.. View More»
DOI:
10.4172/2155-9864.S2-002